Transmission Repair Services

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About Transmission Repair

Transmission problems can be complex and expensive. Our network includes transmission specialists who can diagnose and repair automatic and manual transmissions. From fluid changes to complete rebuilds, get multiple quotes to ensure you're getting the best price and service.

Average Cost Range

$1,800-$3,500

Actual costs vary based on your vehicle, location, and specific needs. Get personalized quotes to see exact pricing.

How Your Transmission Works

Your transmission is one of the most complex systems in your vehicle. It takes engine power and delivers it to the wheels at the right speed and power level for different driving conditions. Understanding how it works helps you recognize warning signs and understand why transmission repairs are expensive.

Transmission Fluid

The hydraulic fluid that powers your transmission. It provides pressure for gear engagement, lubricates all moving parts, and removes heat from the system. Transmission fluid degrades over time (typically 30,000-100,000 miles depending on type) and needs replacement to maintain smooth shifting and extend transmission life.

Why it matters: Degraded fluid can't transmit pressure properly and won't lubricate parts, leading to slipping, hard shifts, and eventual transmission failure.

Torque Converter (Automatic transmissions)

Fluid coupling that connects engine power to the transmission. It allows the engine to idle while the transmission is in gear without stalling. Failing torque converters cause shuddering, delayed acceleration, or transmission overheating.

Why it matters: Failed torque converter means no power transfer from engine to wheels. Expensive component to replace ($800-1,500).

Planetary Gearsets

Complex arrangement of gears that create different gear ratios. These gears engage and disengage to shift between 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, etc. Worn gears cause grinding, slipping, or refusal to shift into certain gears.

Why it matters: Core component of transmission. Severe wear requires rebuild or replacement ($1,800-3,500+).

Clutch Packs and Bands (Automatic)

Friction materials that engage and disengage different gears. When they wear out, you get slipping (engine revs but car doesn't accelerate proportionally). Complete wear means transmission won't hold gears.

Why it matters: Worn clutches are primary cause of transmission slipping. Rebuild required when clutches fail.

Manual Transmission Clutch

In manual transmissions, the driver operates the clutch pedal to disengage the engine from the transmission. Worn clutches slip (engine revs but car doesn't accelerate). Failing clutches also cause grinding when shifting.

Why it matters: Clutch replacement is expensive ($1,200-2,500) but less than full transmission rebuild.

Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Computer that decides when to shift based on engine speed, throttle position, vehicle speed, and transmission temperature. Failed TCM causes erratic shifting, check engine light, or transmission going into limp mode.

Why it matters: TCM failure mimics transmission failure but is cheaper to fix ($800-1,500 vs $2,000-4,000 rebuild).

Transmission Lines and Cooler

Hoses and tubes carry transmission fluid to the cooler (prevents overheating). Leaks here cause fluid loss and transmission failure. The cooler keeps transmission fluid cool during operation.

Why it matters: Overheating destroys transmission fluid and internal components rapidly. Cooler failure = catastrophic damage.

Oil Pump

Pressurizes transmission fluid to engage clutches and gears. Failing pump causes loss of pressure and transmission slipping.

Why it matters: No pressure = no gear engagement. Pump failure requires transmission disassembly to repair.

Signs You Need Transmission Repair

🔴URGENT - Get Serviced TODAY

Transmission Won't Go Into Gear

What it means: Complete failure to engage any forward or reverse gear

Why it's urgent: Your vehicle is immobilized. Safety emergency if on roadway.

What to do: Don't force the gear shift. Get vehicle towed to mechanic.

Common cause: Complete transmission failure, low transmission fluid, failed transmission control module, clutch completely worn

Cost to fix: $1,500-$5,000+ depending on cause (fluid $100-200, TCM $800-1500, transmission rebuild/replace $2,000-4,000+)

Transmission Fluid Leaking (Puddles Under Vehicle)

What it means: Transmission has active fluid leak

Why it's urgent: Transmission fluid loss = progressive loss of shifting ability and transmission damage from running dry

What to do: Don't drive far. Get to mechanic within a few days. Don't continue driving.

Common cause: Worn seals, cracked transmission pan, damaged cooler lines, loose drain plug, transmission overheating causing seal failure

Cost to fix: $200-$800 depending on leak source (seal $200-400, cooler line $300-600, pan gasket $300-500)

Transmission Overheating (Temperature Gauge in Red or Warning Light)

What it means: Transmission operating above safe temperature range

Why it's urgent: Overheating destroys transmission fluid and damages internal components rapidly

What to do: Pull over safely immediately. Turn off vehicle. Let cool. Don't drive further until diagnosed.

Common cause: Low fluid, failing cooler, damaged transmission pan causing fluid loss, internal friction from worn parts

Cost to fix: $200-$1,500+ depending on cause (cooler $400-800, fluid change $200-400, rebuild if internal damage $2,000+)

Transmission Won't Hold in Park (Vehicle Rolls)

What it means: Parking pawl (gear lock) has failed or fluid pressure is lost

Why it's urgent: Vehicle can roll unexpectedly downhill. Safety hazard.

What to do: Always use parking brake in addition to Park. Get transmission serviced ASAP.

Common cause: Low transmission fluid, failing transmission control module, park pawl worn/broken

Cost to fix: $300-$1,500 depending on cause

Transmission Stuck in Gear (Won't Shift Out)

What it means: Transmission locked into one gear, won't shift up or down

Why it's urgent: Limited power delivery and potential transmission damage from forced operation in wrong gear

What to do: Get vehicle towed. Don't force shifting.

Common cause: Failed TCM, stuck clutch pack, low fluid, internal failure

Cost to fix: $800-$3,500+ depending on cause

🟡SHOULD BE SERVICED SOON (Within a Week)

Transmission Slipping (Engine Revs But Car Accelerates Slowly)

What it means: Transmission can't hold gear or clutch packs are worn. Power isn't transferring to wheels.

Why urgent: Slipping indicates wear. If ignored, leads to complete transmission failure.

What to do: Get transmission fluid checked. Might be low fluid (cheap fix) or worn clutches (expensive fix). Get diagnosed within a week.

Common cause: Low transmission fluid (cheapest), worn clutch packs (expensive), failing torque converter (expensive)

Cost to fix: $200-$500 if just low fluid, $1,500-$3,000 if internal wear

Delayed Shifting (Transmission Hesitates Before Shifting Gears)

What it means: Transmission takes longer than normal to shift from one gear to next

Why urgent: Indicates wear or malfunction in shifting mechanism

What to do: Get transmission fluid checked and TCM scanned for codes within a week

Common cause: Low fluid, worn clutch packs, failing solenoids, TCM issue, contaminated fluid

Cost to fix: $200-$800 if fluid issue, $1,000-$3,000 if internal wear

Grinding or Shaking When Shifting

What it means: Grinding usually means gears not engaging smoothly. Shaking indicates violent shift or internal looseness.

Why urgent: Indicates mechanical wear. Could progress to transmission failure.

What to do: Schedule transmission service within a week. Get fluid check and system diagnostic.

Common cause: Low fluid, worn clutch packs, engine misfires causing rough shifts, worn engine mounts

Cost to fix: $300-$1,500 depending on cause

Check Engine Light (When Related to Transmission)

What it means: Vehicle computer detected transmission-related fault

Why urgent: Could be minor sensor issue or major transmission problem

What to do: Get diagnostic scan within a week. Don't ignore.

Common cause: Low transmission fluid, failed temperature sensor, solenoid malfunction, TCM fault, internal transmission problem

Cost to fix: $100-$200 if sensor/solenoid, $1,000-$3,000+ if internal

Transmission Fluid Is Dark or Smells Burned

What it means: Fluid is overheated and contaminated. Breakdown of hydraulic fluid has begun.

Why urgent: Burned fluid won't transmit pressure properly and won't lubricate parts

What to do: Get transmission fluid changed ASAP. Don't drive long distances.

Common cause: Normal degradation (10+ years), overheating, internal friction from wear

Cost to fix: $200-$400 for fluid change, $500+ if flush and filter too

🟢MONITOR & SCHEDULE (Within a Month)

Mild Transmission Whine or Buzzing Sound

What it means: Usually pump cavitation (air in fluid) or bearing wear

Why monitor:

What to do: Get diagnostic within a month

Common cause: Low fluid, worn internal components, pump cavitation

Cost to fix: $200-$800 depending on cause

Transmission Pulling to One Side When Accelerating Hard

What it means: Could be transmission issue but more likely engine/drivetrain imbalance

Why monitor:

What to do: Get diagnostic within a month

Common cause: Transmission mount worn, engine mount worn, transmission internal wear

Cost to fix: $300-$1,000

Slight Delay in Engaging Reverse or Drive

What it means: Minor delay (1-2 seconds) in engagement when shifting into Drive or Reverse

Why monitor:

What to do: Monitor. Get checked at next service. Not urgent if only on cold starts.

Common cause: Low fluid (on cold mornings, clears when warm), worn clutches, TCM issue

Cost to fix: $200-$800

Types of Transmission Repair & What They Cost

Transmission Fluid Change

What it is: Drain old transmission fluid and replace with new fluid of correct type and volume.

When needed: Every 30,000-100,000 miles depending on vehicle (check owner's manual). Some modern transmissions claim 'sealed for life' but changing every 60,000 miles extends transmission life.

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $50-$150 (synthetic more expensive)

• Labor: $100-$200

• Total: $150-$350

Time: 30-60 minutes

Warranty: Usually no warranty on fluid change itself

Transmission Flush

What it is: Complete removal of transmission fluid and system contamination followed by refill with new fluid. More thorough than simple fluid change—removes fluid from torque converter, cooler, and lines.

When needed: Every 60,000-100,000 miles as preventative maintenance, or immediately if fluid is dark/burned

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $25-$75

• Labor:

• Total: $225-$525

Time: 1-2 hours

Warranty: Usually 12 months or 12,000 miles

Transmission Solenoid Replacement

What it is: Solenoids are electronically controlled valves that direct transmission fluid to engage specific gears. Failed solenoid causes delayed shifting, erratic shifting, or stuck in one gear.

When needed: When diagnostic scan identifies failed solenoid (check engine light usually accompanies)

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $150-$400

• Labor: $300-$600 (requires dropping transmission pan)

• Total: $450-$1,000 per solenoid

Time: 2-4 hours

Warranty: Usually 12 months or 12,000 miles

Transmission Cooler/Lines Repair

What it is: Replacement of failed cooler (radiator-like device that cools transmission fluid) or repair/replacement of cooler lines.

When needed: When diagnostics show overheating or visual inspection shows leaks

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $400-$1,000

• Labor: $200-$400

• Total: $700-$2,000

Time: 2-6 hours depending on location

Warranty: Usually 12 months or 12,000 miles

Manual Transmission Clutch Replacement

What it is: Replacement of worn clutch friction disc and related components (pressure plate, throw-out bearing, flywheel).

When needed: When clutch is slipping (engine revs but car doesn't accelerate) or won't engage gears

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $200-$400

• Labor: $600-$1,200 (requires removing transmission)

• Total: $1,200-$2,500

Time: 6-10 hours (transmission must be removed)

Warranty: Usually 12 months or 12,000 miles

Transmission Rebuild

What it is: Complete disassembly of transmission, inspection of internal parts, replacement of worn parts, reassembly with new seals and fluid.

When needed: When transmission has multiple internal failures or severe wear

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $100-$200

• Labor: $500-$1,000

• Total: $1,800-$3,500

Time: 2-5 days

Warranty: Typically 12 months or 12,000 miles (sometimes longer)

Transmission Replacement

What it is: Removal of failed transmission and installation of either new or quality used transmission.

When needed: When transmission can't be repaired economically or damage is too severe for rebuild

Cost Breakdown:

• Parts: $150-$300

• Labor:

• Total: $2,000-$7,000+

Time: 1-3 days

Warranty: New transmission 3-5 years, used transmission 30-90 days typically

How to Extend Your Transmission Life

Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly

Why it matters: Low fluid causes slipping and accelerates wear. Clean fluid enables smooth shifting.

How often: Every 3 months or 3,000 miles

Cost: Free if DIY, $50-$100 if mechanic does it